The show and conference, held at the Grande Lakes Resort here, is aimed at helping engineers “gain insight into converging markets,” the company said. FTF includes technical tracks in automotive, industrial, networking and consumer electronics. A 28,000-sq-ft Technology Lab with more than 200 company booths offers demonstrations in telematics, rapid prototyping, automotive safety, engine control, tire-pressure monitoring and consumer games, as well as dozens of other technical areas.

Freescale says FTF has drawn more than 20,000 attendees in the first three years since its inception in 1995. This year’s Forum is expected to draw as many or more attendees than previous years.

This year, Freescale is also sponsoring a Design Challenge aimed at encouraging innovation in environmental design. Finalists in the contest include a solar follower, clean water diverter, digital sun distiller, flexible energy management and automation system and a Zigbee-based wireless sensor network for greenhouses.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.